Tributes have poured in for former Emmerdale actress Leah Bracknell, who has passed away at the age of 55.

The soap star, who was best known for playing Zoe Tate in the hit ITV show, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2016, and passed away last month.

Leah's tragic death was only announced to the public on Wednesday, in a statement from her manager.

Her former co-stars and fans alike have now taken to social media to send tributes to the talented actress.

Sally Ann Matthews, who played Sandra Briggs on the soap wrote: "So sorry to hear that the beautiful soul, Leah Bracknell, has lost her battle with cancer. The world has lost a little sparkle."

Lisa Riley, who recently returned to the soap after an 18 year break, said: "GOD BLESS YOU LEAH a true angel to work with.

"You lost your battle far far to young. R.I.P. heaven gains an angel of the truest form."

Kelli Hollis, who also worked with Leah on Emmerdale, said: "So sad to hear the amazing and kind @LeahBracknell has passed away.

"I had a great time when I worked with her on emmerdale 16 years ago. And we stayed in touch ever since. Very sad day now shes gone xxx [sic]"

Emmerdale themselves tweeted to their 1.3million followers: "Everyone on Emmerdale is very sad to hear of the death of Leah Bracknell.

"She was a hugely popular member of the Emmerdale cast for over 16 years. Leah was a very generous and caring colleague, much loved by cast and crew alike."

Leah's sad death was confirmed by her manager on Wednesday, who wrote in a statement: "It is with the deepest sadness that Leah Bracknell's family confirm that Leah passed away in September, three years after her diagnosis with stage 4 lung cancer.

"They would like to thank all the public for their support and generosity which contributed to the extension and quality of her life over the past three years.

"Leah continued to embrace life and faced her illness with positivity. Many aspects of her journey can be found on her blog.

"Leah was best known and much loved as Zoe Tate in Emmerdale. She also had roles in Judge John Deed, A Touch of Frost, The Royal Today and DCI Banks to name just a few, as well as numerous appearances on stage and in pantomime.

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"As well as acting, Leah was also an accomplished yoga teacher and shamanic healer. Leah had an energy and enthusiasm for life, a kind heart and much love to give to those around her."

The statement ended: "Her family have asked for privacy at this very sad time."

In August Leah, who played the role of Zoe Tate in the ITV show from 1989 to 2006, had written in her blog that she was "hoping for a miracle" after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Three years ago she had been given eight months to live, but she had remained hopeful that she would fight the illness.

The actress told The Mirror: "People think, 'Oh, she’s crazy', but I believe in thinking outside the box.

"Medical science is an amazing thing and it is keeping me alive, but it has limitations because it is to do with the logical mind."

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